Are Cavapoos Good Apartment Dogs?

One breed that has gained immense popularity as of late is the lovable, and excitable Cavapoo. 

In a small space, a unsuitable dog can cause chaos. So are Cavapoos good apartment dogs or are you in for a disaster?

Cavapoos are renowned for being tremendously loyal, loving, and reliant on human companionship. 

And while they certainly carry so many spectacular characteristics, many people often wonder if Cavapoos make for good apartment dogs.  

Do Cavapoos Do Well In Apartments?

The average Cavapoo will thrive in an apartment setting. There are however a few key factors regarding temperament and energy levels that must be considered before adopting a Cavapoo for an apartment life.

These adorable Poodle mix lapdogs make for tremendous companions, or new additions to the family. They get along with everyone, and love to spend time with those they love.

But when it comes to space requirements, many get confused as to how much space these little balls of energy need to live a happy, and healthy life. 

Even though Cavapoos carry Poodle genetics, they are not particularly large when compared to their parent breed. 

With even the largest of Cavapoos reaching typically less than 30 pounds. 

This leaves many to assume that these dogs do not need a lot of space to be comfortable. However, one must consider the other parent breed of a Cavapoo, the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. 

These breeds are renowned for becoming more and more loyal to their family the older they get. 

Which can be translated to them spending the majority of their time right next to you, or directly in your lap. These adorable little balls of fur are renowned “lapdogs”, and do not need a lot of space surprisingly. 

And they sure don’t need a fancy bed to keep them comfortable. (But it is nice to have one!)

Although, this can also result in frustration as you may constantly find yourself trying to find new toys, or areas of the house for your dog to find comfort in. Only for them to completely ignore these offerings, and turn directly back to your lap. 

Which is why Cavapoos make for perfect apartment dogs. Most of the time, a Cavapoo will be more than content with the space they share with you, no matter how big or small it is. 

How to Keep a Cavapoo Happy in an Apartment

When it comes to understanding what dogs work best in apartments, or how to manage a dog in an apartment. 

There are a few things that you are going to want to avoid, and be aware of:

Know your situation

When switching over to an apartment, or introducing a new dog to the complex, keep in mind the building itself. For example, first floor apartments are generally easier for apartment dogs, as it not only makes bathroom breaks easier, but also quick trips to the vet.

The last thing you want to worry about if your dog is in potential danger, is to have to carry their big (or small) body down a giant flight of stairs.

Also, keep an eye out for apartments with secure balconies, and most importantly ensure that the balcony is safe, and free from fall hazards.

In addition make sure that your apartment building doesn’t have a noise policy, and consult with your neighbors if you do have a not so quiet dog. Ideally look for a breed that is suitable for an apartment (like a Cavapoo!). 

Don’t Leave Unsafe Windows Open

Many owners often leave windows open in their apartment by accident, or to get some fresh air flow. However, regardless of whether it was intentional or not, by leaving windows open around the apartment, you are creating potentially dangerous distractions for the dog.

While nothing is likely to happen on most occasions, this presents a serious issue if your dog is more of the adventurous type (like a bold Cavapoo). Don’t be fooled by their petite stature, they will surprise you with their knack for adventure. 

Leaving the Cavapoo alone for long

This is a wise step to take for any dog owner, especially if they are younger, or new to the environment. For younger pups, or dogs that are very social (e.g. your Cavapoo), there is a good chance that if you leave them alone for long periods of time, they will develop serious separation anxiety.

And if your dog is new to their environment, and still adjusting, they will most likely lash out, and exhibit destructive/noisy behaviour if they’re left alone. Be careful to not leave your dog alone in the apartment for more than 3-4 hours, especially when it comes to a breed that is so reliant on human interaction like the Cavapoo.

Instead, try to either come home periodically throughout the day, or look to have a friend, family member, or professional come over to take care of them for the time you are away.  

Set boundaries in a small space early

This goes back to the old adage of “Who’s walking who!?“. Do not let your dog make the rules. It’s very important that you set the boundaries for what they can and can’t do from day one. This could mean not allowing them in certain rooms of the apartment, or keeping them off of furniture.

But if you don’t start them out young, you are going to have to spend a lot of time and energy teaching them later. 

Establish a routine ASAP

Dogs (much like humans) are at their best when they have a routine they can stick to everyday.

This becomes even more essential when living in an apartment, because you will have to properly schedule bathroom breaks, exercise, and play time accordingly to ensure that your pup is comfortable. This can be accomplished by simply taking your dog for walks, and bathroom breaks at the same time each and every day. (See our guide to potty training a Cavapoo)

You will be surprised to see how adaptive your dog can be, but they need this routine to be established if they live in a confined space 

Keep some objects out of reach

This sort of goes hand in hand with setting boundaries, but it is paramount that you keep an eye out for small objects that your dog could easily digest. Even by simply going about your apartment everyday ensuring all small objects are out of reach, you are creating a far safer atmosphere for the dog.

The last thing you want is an expensive trip to the vet. 

Keep your Cavapoo entertained

Every breed needs exercise, and Cavapoos in particular require between 30 minutes to an hour a day. It’s important that you understand the needs of your dog, as certain breeds will require more exercise than others.

The same can be said for keeping the dog entertained, as this can easily be neglected.

Owners often get caught up in their own lives to ever realize that their dog is distraught. If you ever feel like your dog isn’t getting the social interaction, and playtime they need, try to have a friend, or neighbor to spend time with them.

Even look for other dogs in the apartment complex, who knows you might be able to find your little furry friend a companion. That way you won’t have to worry as much about keeping the dog entertained, as they should exert most of their energy playing around with the other dogs.

Outside of social interactions, make sure that the apartment is filled with puzzle games, and games involving their food. As these provide for tremendous mental stimulation to keep your dog entertained for hours. 

Be honest with neighbors

As a result of living in an apartment, many people are reluctant to tell their landlord, or superintendent that they own pets. And therefore feel forced to sneak their pets in and out of the building for bathroom breaks, and exercise.

This lack of transparency is most likely going to result in a messy apartment, and an expensive cleanup. It’s best to be honest with yourself, and those directly involved in the situation, because at the end of the day it’s going to affect the dog’s wellbeing the most. Which should always be priority #1. 

Cavapoo Apartment FAQs

Is it more expensive to have a Cavapoo in an apartment?

While typically the price you pay for your dog’s happy and healthy lifestyle shouldn’t increase by living in an apartment. An apartment complex in some states does have the ability to charge “pet rent” and hit you with a non-refundable deposit.

Also keep in mind that some apartments complexes will have noise policies, and so you could get hit with a fine depending on where you live, and how loud your dog is. Other than that, if you maintain a healthy diet, and exercise routine, you shouldn’t expect to pay any additional fees for having a dog in your apartment. 

Will a Cavapoo tear apart the furniture? 

Many dog owners are hesitant about leaving their pup home alone in their apartment all day. Especially when it comes to the excitable, and energetic Cavapoo. One of the primary issues with these breeds is that they are extremely reliant on human interaction, and so they are more likely to suffer from separation anxiety.

This means that there is a reasonably good chance that if you leave your Cavapoo alone for an extended period of time, it will result in some unwanted destructive behaviour.

Which is why it is typically recommended that you take the time to look for a professional sitter, or friend/neighbor to look after them for the duration you are separated.

However, if you take them on daily walks, spend time playing with them, and never leave them alone for more than 3-4 hours at a time. You should be able to avoid most of these negative circumstances.  

 

Cavapoo in an Apartment Takeaways

There are many misconceptions as to whether or not Cavapoos are ideal apartment dogs due to their sometimes exuberant personality. Truth be told, there may not be a better apartment dog than the Cavapoo.

Even though these breeds are very reliant on social interaction, and mental stimulation. These are a smaller dog, an intelligent dog, and a companion dog. Cavapoos are undeniably good dogs.

A Cavapoo owner needs to be present and provide plenty of distraction and entertainment.

But in terms of actual phsyical space? A Cavapoo does not need much space at all to feel happy, and fulfilled. Generally, a spot right next to you on the couch is more than adequate. 

So long as you keep up a consistent routine with exercise, playtime, and potty time (consider an outdoor balcony porch potty or dog toilet). 

With proper training, you should have no problem living in an apartment with a Cavapoo puppy.

Other good designer dog breeds that are apartment dog superstars include the Cockapoo, Maltipoo and the purebred Toy Poodle.

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